RM said the company would jack up its dividend by five per cent to 1.32 pence, and added its outlook for the full year remains on course.

“As we always comment at this stage, the first half of RM's financial year is not a good indicator of results for the year as a whole,” noted RM boss Terry Sweeney.

“However, with the UK education budget for government year 2009/10 up 6 per cent in cash terms, and revenue growth anticipated from BSF, Computrac and general education resources, management's expectations for FY-2009 are unchanged.”

Shares in the firm are currently trading at 148.5 pence, up 4.58 per cent, on the London Stock Exchange. ®